Feels Like Home with The Thrifty Six
It was my turn to choose a theme for December’s thrifty style post and I ended up quite thoroughly stumping myself. I wanted a style prompt that was suitable for the holiday season without getting locked into creating an actual holiday outfit. As much as I love a good festive outfit for any holiday, not everyone does so a broader prompt was needed. Feels Like Home felt like the perfect answer to my theme choosing dilemma especially since I will be spending the duration of the holiday season snuggled up all cozy and warm at home!
As I was trying to think of preloved pieces in my wardrobe that feel like home, I remembered this navy blue vintage shawl that my next door neighbor, Nettie, from our old house in Pennsylvania had given to me one day when I expressed to her how much I loved it (and shawls and wraps in general). That is the kind of person she is. She said, “Take it, it’s yours!” and I have had it ever since.
In a recent post about holiday memories, I shared the story of the Christmas when tree roots worked their way into our sewer line which resulted in the entire front yard being dug up on December 23. During the process, I had no running water in the house so Nettie, who was well into her 80s at the time, let me stay at her house for a week. Jeff lived in New York at the time so I sent baby Archie to my mother in law’s and I was pregnant with Ralph at the time so he stayed at Nettie’s with me.
Just a few days after bringing Archie home from the hospital, Nettie’s husband of 60 years, Joe, suffered from a massive a stroke and passed away a few days later. When Ralph was born, we decided to honor Nettie and her Joe so we gave Ralph the middle name of Joseph. I shared that story in a post a few years ago called How Radical Ralphie Got His Name.
We had a super special bond with these super special neighbors and I was so sad to say goodbye when we moved to New York. I will always have Nettie’s vintage shawl to remind me our first home where we began our family and where both of my children came into our lives.
As for the rest of my at home style, I wore an old thrifted oversized knit dress that I purchase a few years ago for the sole purpose of wearing it as cozy loungewear at home. It is really, really oversized (probably because I weighed 25 pounds more than I do now when I bought the thing) so it needed to be belted. I used a tie belt from a different dress so I could cinch it loosely leaving the comfortability factor in tact. Then I added a pair of wild blue striped socks to keep my cold toes warm. I usually wear my light gray Furkies around the house but I kicked them off for the photos because they just looked ridiculous. I kept my accessories minimal with a pair of blue and silver teardrop earrings and a blue and white beaded necklace made by Michelle.
About 10 minutes after taking these photos, however, my legs got too cold and I had to change into my typical combination of fleece lined leggings and soft hoodie. Although, if it were fall instead of winter, this is absolutely something that you might find me wearing as I am lounging on my couch in front of the television.
Before we check out my fabulously thrifty friends and their sartorial interpretations of Feels Like Home, I want to share this photo of sweet Nettie with baby Archie taken on July 1, 2011, when he was 2 months old.
Also we are sad to announce that Lucy has had to step away from our group. We wish her all the best and will continue following her blogging journey. But this change has now made our group five and five doesn’t work for a group called The Thrifty Six. So we are looking for another thrifty friend to complete us once again! If you are interested in filling Lucy’s spot (she’s a hard act to follow), please let any one of us know and then we will make the decision together and announce it in our next post.
The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion influencers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand!
The Thrifters:
- Emma of Style Splash
- Grace of Graceful Rags
- Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
- Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
- Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
- Who Will the New Thrifter Be?
Emma of Style Splash
-Emma
Grace of Graceful Rags
-Grace
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
…is December’s Thrifty Six theme.
Everything I’m wearing is comfy, cosy and quilted – how homely is that!
Standing outside my own front door, dressed head to toe in true vintage pieces, this definitely feels like home to me…”
-Jane
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
-Nancy
And Me!
Although I chose the theme, I ended up struggling which is why I am so last minute! And today of all days, I really do not feel like leaving my home…it is cold and snowy here…so my photos are very homey in front of my Christmas tree all snuggled up in a navy blue preloved shawl that was gifted to me from our next door neighbor at our first home. It was the home we bought in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where we had planned to raise our family until the Army changed those plans! So this lovely vintage shawl that was passed on to me from that lovely neighbor really reminds me of our very special first home where we welcomed both of our children into our lives. I layered it on top of a super cozy thrifted oversized knit dress in deep plum. I picked this dress up for a few dollars at a local thrift shop for the exact purpose of using it for loungewear and so this is a fun opportunity to share it now.”
-Shelbee
What wardrobe pieces do you own that feel like home?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Dress-Thrifted / Shawl-Preloved Gift / Socks-Sock Dreams / Earrings-Old / Necklace-Made by Michelle of Funky Fashion Style
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
28 Comments
Jennifer
I love your decor!!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer! It is a work in progress, that’s for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I loved hearing about Nettie (and Joe). What sweet memories. Very comfy outfit and pretty loungewear. I am so loving the striped socks. (I considered buying some myself recently.)
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Michelle! Nettie will always hold a very special place in our hearts and our story! I love that I have her vintage shawl! Have you ever checked out Sock Dreams?! I have been buying socks and tights from them for about 15 years. They have great selection, quality, and price point. I have not yet had a pair wear out on me!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I LOVED hearing the story about how you acquired that shawl; it sounds like you had some really wonderful neighbors!! I tend to resort to hoodies and fleece lined leggings a lot around the house too.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Joanne! Honestly, I have been so blessed in the neighbor department. We have had amazing neighbors in all four homes where we have lived as a family.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Oh what a lovely story. I assume Nettie passed away?
That’s such a cozy look! Warm and with the fabulous memories of Nettie. I love that we all have such different stories for this theme.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! Actually, I was just texting with Nettie’s son a few days ago. She is alive and well, sill living in the same house!
xoxo
Shelbee
Idie Benjamin
Your Christmas decor is beautiful!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
Those sentimental items are near and dear to our hearts. I just loved reading this.
I would be open to trying to fill Lucy’s place if everyone is open to that??
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jodie, thank you so much! The sentimental items are always my favorite! I will definitely put your name into the pot for The Thrifty Six! We have a few others interested so we will make a decision soon and let you know. I kind of would like to make it The Thrifty Dozen if we could find that many people to join!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
I love it when clothing, jewelry, or anything really has a story behind it. This shawl’s story is so sweet and special. We are so lucky when people like this come into our lives. I really love this outfit…I think it’s the socks!!! They just add that special touch of whimsy which is just right for the season!
Your Christmas tree is amazing! I love how it’s decorated and such a reflection of what a family’s tree should be!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Marsha, thanks so much! I also appreciate the stories behind clothing and accessories. Sometimes the story itself is enough to make me keep something forever even if I rarely wear it! I have always wanted a themed Christmas tree of some sort but my kids like the haphazard way of throwing alllllll the ornaments on the tree and since I already had my childhood Christmases, I indulge their whims and let them decorate how they like it. It is definitely fun and festive, that’s for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela
Isn’t it strange how difficulties of the past become warm and treasured memories. You were truly privileged to have such a wonderful friend and support at a vulnerable time. I love the cuddly outfit – keep warm!
Pamela
http://Www.style-yourself-confident.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Pamela! It really is a strange phenomenon how past difficulties can become fond memories. I suppose those difficulties remind us how blessed we really are! I hope you have a blessed Christmas, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Bojana Krienke
This story truly moved me. We need more people like Nettie and I certainly strive to be more like that. I wish people could not only think of themselves and how each action affects them, but look around and make decisions yes for themselves but also their neighbors. Thats a beautiful freiendship and I love that scarf even more. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season, filled with laughter, joy and plenty memories made.
Bo from bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Bo, thank you so much, my sweet friend. We have been truly blessed when it comes to neighbors. This is our 4th home as a family and each home had even better neighbors than the last one. It really is quite amazing and I do not let a day go by without recognizing how blessed I am and what a great fortune it is to have wonderful, supportive, kind neighbors. I hope you have a beautiful holiday season as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
What a special story behind that shawl! I loved reading about it! We have some wonderful neighbors where we live and I am really enjoying building relationships with them. It’s nice to have neighbors like that when family lives far away!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! It is really nice to have a supportive community of neighbors especially when you have no family nearby. They do become our family! In fact, Ralph asked me the other day to name my favorite person in the whole world who is NOT family. So I answered Marra who is his best friend who lives right next door. Without hesitation, he replied, “You can’t answer Marra. She’s family. I said someone who ISN’T family.” So there you have it! LOL. I am so happy that you get to also experience they joy of lovely neighbors!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
Oh Shelbie- you ladies look amazing! And you all hold such a special part in my heart – I am going to miss this great group- I got teary reading this. It truly was so much fun and we are all kindred spirits- love you girls! It won’t be difficult to find an amazing thrifter (Jodie would be perfect!!)! And I’ll be dropping in every time to check it all out and get inspired. xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! You will be greatly missed as well but I still enjoy hopping over to see what fabulous styles and tricks and tips you have to share! I hope you have a blessed Christmas with your family and friends.
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
HI Shelbee,
What a special relationship you had with your neighbors! And 60 years is impressive! So nice she gave you the blue shawl – love your dress with it! Feels like home is the perfecct Dec theme, and I am so thrilled with not having to travel this season. Sorry I have not been around as much, I will remedie that in the new year, but between going to medical appts and Christmas, my head is spinning!
I wanted to pop by to Wish you and Your family, a Blessed HOliday.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! Oh, I have not been making many blogging rounds myself lately either so I totally understand. Life just keeps getting busier or I just lack motivation! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking very nice and very nice decor. Love it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! I really appreciate that! Happy holidays to you!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol Benton
Your outfit looks so warm and cozy! Also — your Christmas tree is beautiful. Happy New Year!! Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 46.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Carol! Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy new year as well!
xoxo
Shelbee